Literary Insights

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young
is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a
dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive,
she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered
prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t
who he appears to be.

Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the
day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband, but
his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just
for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly
linked to the software she recently developed for her company?

I recommend you add to your summer reading list if you enjoy a little romance
with your mystery, just when you thought you knew the guilty party and what was
going on, another curveball was thrown in for good measure.

Monday, June 22, 2015

This
novella introduces us to the Beacons of Hope series. I was drawn into the story
from the very first page, with the interesting start after a devastating storm,
and it kept my attention until the last page. I loved the unique setting in
Michigan, close by the lighthouse and water, as well as the unique story where
Isabelle and her father save Henry from the storm which nearly killed him.

From the opening paragraph to
the closing chapter, Jody Hedlund captured the harsh reality of living on the
shores of the Great Lakes in Michigan. The dangers, both natural and human, are
woven into the story allowing the reader to gain a glimpse into the life of an
1850's lighthouse keeper. It was interesting to see how this historical romance
novella plays out. A sweet and unique story.I enjoyed the novella's setting, characters, and plot. I look forward to
reading more about the life and times of the Great Lakes' lighthouse keepers
and their families.

Overall, Ienjoyed this novella. It had a number of
surprising revelations and there was a tension that coursed through it pushing
the story forward. Would Henry grow up, give up his playboy ways and settle
down with a handicapped wife? Will Isabella leave the only life she’s ever
known and settle down in a mansion? You’ll have to read Out Of The Storm to find out.

Monday, June 15, 2015

In
the year 1838, Julia Elliston finds herself orphaned under tragic circumstances
and suddenly placed under the whims of an aloof guardian who plans to send her
off to Scotland as a widow's companion. With immense pressure to live as a
servant, Julia feels she has no choice but to catch a husband. When her first
love Edward is unable to marry her, the reader is left wondering if the
impetuous Julia will instead turn to the dark, yet mysterious Mr. Macy.

Romantic and entertaining to its
core with excellent mysteries thrown in for good measure. Solid characters,
alluring romances, and a vivid picture of Victorian England that transports you
back in time, all make for a compelling read.

Written
in first person, a reader gets caught up in the mannerisms, apparel,
lifestyles, decorum and societal rules of the mid eighteen hundreds as Julia is
tormented, used and shunned due to marital laws, legalities and lack of women's
rights.

If
you love a good, old-fashioned Jane Austen like historical romance or an
entertaining, Gothic and Bronte `esque' suspense filled mystery, you will enjoy
this book.

I
received a copy of this book Tyndale House Publishers for my review.